Stress and Fatigue - Adrenals: Flashcards
Q: What is the role of the adrenal glands in the stress response?
A: The adrenal glands release glucocorticoids, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and DHEA in response to stress.
Q: What is the role of DHEA during stress?
A: DHEA protects against the negative consequences of stress, including neurotoxic effects of elevated cortisol on the hippocampus, and helps reduce anxiety and depression.
Q: What happens during ongoing stress with prolonged DHEA and cortisol release?
A: It can lead to a depleted state called “adrenal exhaustion,” resulting in an impaired stress response and loss of resiliency.
Q: What does DHEA stand for?
A: Dehydroepiandrosterone, a precursor to sex hormones.
Q: What are the key signs and symptoms of adrenal exhaustion?
A: Fatigue, increased need for sleep, inability to cope with stress, anxiety, irritability, decreased libido, yawning, lower back pain, recurrent infections, sweet cravings, reactive dysglycaemia, sensitivity to temperature changes, low body temperature, poor digestion, postural hypotension, and unstable pupillary reflex.
Q: Why might individuals present with mixed patterns of low and high cortisol during adrenal exhaustion?
A: These mixed patterns often occur as the body progresses towards adrenal exhaustion, reflecting dysregulated adrenal function.
Q: What are adaptogens, and how do they help with stress?
A: Adaptogens are substances that act as mild stressors to cells, helping them respond effectively to stress. They protect against adrenal exhaustion and assist in recovery.
Q: Name three common adaptogens used to support the adrenal glands.
A: Ashwagandha, Siberian ginseng, and Korean ginseng.
Q: How are adrenal stress index results generally interpreted?
A:
Normal cortisol and DHEA = no stress.
Raised cortisol, normal DHEA = short-term stress.
Raised cortisol, raised DHEA = chronic stress.
High cortisol, low DHEA = early adrenal fatigue.
Low cortisol, low DHEA = adrenal exhaustion.
Low cortisol, normal DHEA = start of recovery.
